Blog

Food for Thought

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Reflection

Information is all around us; sometimes we are seeking information in certain ways that we don’t even realize it.  Information retrieval is not as easy as it sounds.  I would even say it is not for the faint of heart.  To elaborate, the amount of information in the world is likened to a continuously overflowing vat.  Sometimes what comes out of it is not always relevant or correct.  One of the main purposes of this website to help dissect different formats of information search and retrieval.  Searching for information is not always enough.  People need to know where and how to look.

While delving deeper into the information realm, I discovered databases such as ProQuest and EBSCOHost (one of which I had used before, but only for a little bit of ‘trial and error).  I learned that there are major differences between different databases and searching for the exact same thing may yield different results.  Boolean operators have specific uses to help include (or exclude) certain words or phrases, and can search by subject, author, keyword, title, etc.  Each database may have its own specific rules to Boolean operators, and part of using a database correctly and efficiently is being able to utilize those properly as well.  Also, it is important to understand that certain databases are specific to a certain field or research.  For example, PsycINFO is a database that is used for psychology students, therapists, counselors, behavioral and mental sciences.  The focus is for research and information on these subjects for a specific audience.  Users may find information more dependable from a specific database rather than a general search.

Researching information, retrieval, is reviewing the works of others at times.  While it is important to fact check and look for multiple sources for information, reviews are important to look at, too.  Reviews help seekers determine whether or not they believe the information is relevant.  While the book is already published and in circulation, sometimes it may portray a certain point of view (POV).  POV’s are important for determining an opinion on a matter.  Reviews, such as CHOICE Reviews, are noted for their academic standing with users.

Part of my duty as someone in the information sciences is to ensure that people are given the proper tools to make informed decisions.  This is something that I wasn’t even clear on a few months ago.  During this investigation, I have learned so much more about information seeking and information retrieval than I had ever thought possible.  It is impossible to not look for information; even if you are just asking opinions on different foods to try at a new restaurant, this is still information retrieval.  This has taught me there are different kinds of information we search for, and especially how to search for it.  Knowing the differences is what makes the impossible possible.  Knowing how to accomplish this feat is what I have been striving toward the last few months.  This is my purpose; I want to help others make informed decisions and opinions with facts, resources, and dependable reviews.  Understanding the tools of research is part of the process.  While I am still learning more about these different aspects you see posted on this site, I must say that I feel much more comfortable in doing so and also in leading others to the same point in their information seeking.

Reference Services Plan

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One Click Digital (online service offered by Pulaski County Public Library)

One Click Digital/Recorded Books is the largest independent publisher of audiobooks available to digital library school market.  They also host eBooks as well as digital magazines, software training, continuing education courses, streaming movies, language instruction, reference and news services.  Because society, schools, and libraries in general are leaning toward digital resources, it is crucial for reference services to be online as well.  “Through partnerships with many of the most common digital content services, including OverDrive and Recorded Books, users can search for ebooks, audiobooks, and videos within the app and be seamlessly transferred to the relevant partner app to download materials.” (American Libraries, 2018).

While One Click Digital/Recorded Books is not necessarily a reference service, we will also be evaluating the Help features offered on Recorded Books website.  The study will show the needs of patrons in different regions of the community while also evaluating how organized and utilized the Help features are.  We will keep track of what features patrons are using and what help they are asking for in their searches.  A study by Xie and Bowser also examined the usefulness of help features to determine the problems information retrieval (IR) systems face.

Audience/Type of Library

I propose evaluating the service of One Click Digital/Recorded Books being used by the Pulaski County region and seeing how reliable and how the service is being utilized.  This can vary in range from ages kid to adult.  For the purpose of this plan, we will look at the age range from older child (ten to seventeen-year olds, and then eighteen and above; this will service both kids and adults).  The Pulaski County area is both rural and suburban in nature- this evaluation will help isolate certain needs in each region of the county.

Desired & Measurable Outcomes

The study will be performed by using surveys (ease of search) as well as logging what is being checked out by patrons.  Each patron is identified by their library card, which holds personal information (such as address, which only the city/area and age will be tracked).  Hopefully this will illustrate the needs of the community.  Also, the help features will be logged; we will keep track of what popular searches are in terms of the Help icon, FAQS, Tutorials, Troubleshooting, Support, etc.  This part of the study will be used to determine if there is a lack of information in the help features offered by One Click Digital/Recorded Books.

The desired outcome is two-fold; first, we want to see a high use in One Click Digital in all regions (particularly rural areas).  Also, we want to see a low impact issue with help features.  However, the help features that are used will give way to seeing what patrons are looking for the most or the information that is not clear online that needs to be addressed.

Sources

Anonymous. (2018). Reaching Patrons on the Go. American Libraries, 49(6), 84-85.

Xie, H., & Bowser, A. (2009). Examining Online Help Features. Online, 33(1), 24-32.

Reference Service Evaluation

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Reference Service Evaluation:

OverDrive/KY Libraries Unbound

Introduction

OverDrive/KY Libraries Unbound is an online resource for public libraries.  It allows patrons who possess a library card to borrow free e-books, audiobooks, and more from the collection of your local library.  With society engaging in electronic devices, libraries need to meet the needs of their patrons by adapting to wireless demands as well.  All that is needed is a library card and an internet connection.  A study conducted in North Carolina analyzed interlibrary loan (ILL) services for grades K-12 with a university library and how the schools use this service.  The study showed that although not all schools were eligible for the ILL service, the ones that were did have desires to keep it running.  It is economical with budget cuts, meeting patron needs in such a diverse group.  There is room for improvement, which is why the evaluation was put in place- to see what needs are being met and which ones still need work.

Participants

The participants of this study are owners of Kindles, e-readers, etc.  This yields a diverse age group of participants.  For this study, we will use adults, ages 18-65 years of age.  We want to use adults that can give more detailed answers.  However, for the area of the population, we want a diverse group- this will show use who primarily uses the service and what they are looking for.

Methods of Data Collection

In order to collect data of the evaluations, we will use surveys as a means of results.  Surveys are easy to manage and can host a range of questions or scenarios for patrons to gauge their opinions.  Names do not need to be given, but age, race/ethnicity, region need to be included.  This is for illustrating the population that uses the service.

Environment
For this study, we will use the Pulaski County area in Kentucky, United States area, as this resource is hosted by the Pulaski County Public Library.  Pulaski County covers both suburban and rural regions in the area.  This will help determine the population and the needs for that particular area.

Personnel Involvement

The library staff will be in cooperation with this assessment.  However, there will be a set number of personnel involved- for example, the head library director would need to be included for study purposes, to see what services are being used and by whom.

Equipment

The most valuable piece of equipment will be a computer or some kind of electronic device (Kindle, iPad, etc.).  Because this service is internet based, the survey will be conducted online.  The results of the survey will be emailed to proper library personnel for study.

Reference Source

Gee, C. (2011). Connecting K–12 School Media Centers to University Library Resources Through Interlibrary Loan: A Case Study From Eastern North Carolina. Journal of Interlibrary Loan,Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve, 21(3), 101-116.

 

Information Portal

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Title: Military

This information portal is to guide users on military information.  This portal includes information regarding a broad spectrum of military subjects.  This information is primarily for anyone looking into having a military career.  This can also be utilized by a person already in the military needing specific details on certain aspects.  The purpose is to help guide users on topics for warfare, training, policies, and general military life.  Currently, the portal only covers bits of military subjects; the goal will be broadening the topics given.

Browsing

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) caption headings: Military situation & policies, Military Resources, Military Operations, Military Training, War & Warfare

Call Ranges

  • 355.02 – War & warfare
  • 355.03 – Military situation & policy
  • 355.2 – 355.23 – Military resources
  • 355.4 – Military operations
  • 355.5 – Military training

References

Johnson, E. R., 1948- American military training aircraft : fixed and rotary-wing trainers since 1916 / E.R. Johnson ; drawings by Lloyd S. Jones ; foreword by Walter J. Boyne. Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2015]

vii, 471 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

UG1242.T67 J65 2015

ISBN: 9780786470945 (pbk.:alk. paper)

 

Atlas of tank warfare : from 1916 to the present day / general editor, Stephen Hart. London : Amber Books, 2012.

224 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. maps ; 30 cm.

UG446.5 .A85 2012

ISBN: 9781908273796 (hbk.)

 

Official military historical offices and sources / edited by Robin Higham.Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 2000.

2 v. ; 24 cm.

D25.5 .O34 2000

ISBN: 0313286841 (v. 1 : alk. paper)0313308624 (v. 2 : alk. paper)

 

Beede, Benjamin R. Military and strategic policy : an annotated bibliography / compiled by Benjamin R. Beede. New York : Greenwood Press, 1990.

xxi, 334 p. ; 25 cm.

Z1361.D4 B4 1990 UA23

ISBN: 0313260001 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)

 

Chapman, Bert. Military doctrine : a reference handbook / Bert Chapman.Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2009.

197 p. ; 25 cm.

UA23 .C5134 2009

ISBN: 9780313352331 (acid-free paper)031335233X (acid-free paper)9780313352348 (ebook)0313352348 (ebook)

 

E-Sources

 

 

Databases

 

EBSCOhost:

In the basic search box type “SU military science” or use advanced search and choose “SU Subject Terms” from the dropdown box on the right. This will search the database resources under the subject of military science.

 

After using the subject term “military science,” pertinent terms in the thesaurus are revealed in the left-hand column, including the following: “military art & science”

“special operations (military science)”

“armed forces”

“nonfiction”

“disengagement (military science)”

“raids (military science)”

 

TOPICSearch:

In the basic search box type “SU military” or use advanced search and choose “SU Subject terms” from dropdown box.

 

After using SU term “military”, other terms in the thesaurus are revealed in the left-hand column, including:

“military personnel”

“military art & science”

“military policy”

“armed forces”

“military relations”

“Nonfiction”

 

Periodicals

 

  • White, Andrew. “Special Operations Forces Inter-Operability and Doctrine.” Military Technology, vol. 42, no. 6, June 2018, pp. 110-114. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.uky.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=130412294&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
  • Ojanen, Tommi, et al. “Changes in Physical Performance during 21 D of Military Field Training in Warfighters.” Military Medicine, vol. 183, no. 5/6, May/Jun2018, pp. e174-e181. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1093/milmed/usx049.
  • Haddock, Christopher K., et al. “The Benefits of High-Intensity Functional Training Fitness Programs for Military Personnel.” Military Medicine, vol. 181, no. 11, Nov. 2016, pp. e1508-e1514. EBSCOhost, doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00503.
  • Borah, Elisa V., et al. “Providers’ Use of Evidence-Based Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Influence of Training, Attitudes, and Barriers in Military and Private Treatment Settings.” Best Practice in Mental Health, vol. 13, no. 1, Spring2017, pp. 34-46. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.uky.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=123489095&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

 

Websites

 

Database Analysis

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  1. Content Analysis

One of the biggest confusions users have with searching through reference materials is determining what to use and how to use it.  Some users may think to search EBSCOhost as a database.  However, for EBSCO and ProQuest, these are not databases.  They host other databases.    When using EBSCOhost, a list of databases to choose from is offered from the start.  This can help a patron narrow down their search, even more so if they know which subject area to look in.  ProQuest does not start off quite the same.  It immediately opens for a basic or advanced search and Boolean operators.  Once a user has chosen their database(s), then they also have the option of what they want to specifically search for.  EBSCOhost offers more of a search variety than ProQuest.  The search options are laid out and well organized under the search bar on the EBSCO page.  The Boolean search operators are directly underneath the search bar.  A user can then limit their results based on peer-reviewed or full text articles.  Also, depending on the database the user chose, there may be an option for the limits for the database.  For example, PsycINFO offers limiters whereas Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection does not.  On the ProQuest host site, the search options are displayed differently.  There are three main boxes for Language, Document Type, and Source Type.  Above the search bar, there is the Command and Thesaurus Lines, Field Codes, and Search tips.

The overall format varies between the two pages.  The EBSCO page has organized segments down the page.  ProQuest has the three results limiters boxes, but nothing more under the search bar.  While ProQuest is not cluttered, EBSCO is well formatted.  The downside of using EBSCO is depending on what database(s) the user may choose- a variety of databases may result in more filters.  These filters may be more confusing for a user than more understanding.

The scope and content of both EBSCO and ProQuest offer similar search parameters.  A user can define searches on either site based on publication, format, types of materials in the search results, subject, etc.  The actual search results may vary (depending on what the filters or limiters may be set to), but each search result offers a basic overview of the result given.

EBSCOhost is offered academically through public schools, public libraries, and colleges and/or universities.  The starting price for a basic package is $500,000 for an annual subscription for primary schools.  The price increases with more options.  More options generally come with academic libraries or public libraries where there is a more diverse search scope.  ProQuest is much different in terms of who can purchase their subscriptions.  ProQuest offers cheaper rates than EBSCO with an annual rate of $170,000.  These are approximate rates, depending on the type of facility that needs access, how much access they would like to have, and approximately how many users can have that access to the databases.

Additional features

  1. Search Analysis

I like to use PsycINFO as one of my go-to databases for personal reasons (I have a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Psychology, my husband is a counselor, and I suffer from Bipolar I disorder).  In this particular example, I chose to search for Bipolar 1 disorder (I am newly diagnosed and still learning about it).  For EBSCOhost, I limited my result databases to PsycINFO and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection only.  ProQuest kept my search limiters open.  My initial search results yielded 1,752 results from EBSCO and 412,518 results from ProQuest.  Both hosts have their pros and cons in terms of result numbers such as these.  On one hand, my EBSCO search keeps my results limited to information in these two databases only.  It does limit my number of results.  If I wanted a wider scope, then I would have to broaden my database collection (there is an option to search all databases instead of choosing certain ones).  ProQuest gave me more results.  If I did not know where exactly to look for information, or know how I needed to limit my results, these numbers could be quite overwhelming.

I also limited my results to publications within the last three years on ProQuest, which dramatically narrowed my search results.  I also took advantage of Boolean operators and kept my search on both pages “Bipolar I disorder AND treatment NOT lithium”.  Because ProQuest yielded so many results, I wanted to narrow it further by resulting peer-reviewed articles only and EBSCO allowed for all document types.  Both hosts gave me varying degrees of results.  Neither one procured a narrower list of options in terms of what Bipolar I disorder is.  I was viewing studies and articles (from both hosts) about how it simultaneously occurs with post-traumatic stress disorder, morbidity rates, martial changes, how to treat children with bipolar I disorder, the results of certain pharmacology, etc.  I did not narrow my search results to something I know more about, because I wanted to see the results with a fresher perspective, as a new user would with a brand-new search result.  What makes this search particularly easier for me is that I do know more of what my intended search is and where to best find that particular information.

All in all, I prefer to use EBSCOhost as a database search host.  Being able to narrow databases from the start helps focus what my initial search would be.  If unsure, I can always start with a broad search and narrow it down from there.  Because of the format and overall layout, it makes it easier to me to use and understand what I need to narrow down.  ProQuest seems to start out almost too simple.  I feel that it is very overwhelming from the start.  There is not a lot of options to narrow the fields down from the beginning, and brings forth a wide variety of results.  While this can be a positive note because you do have such a wide variety, I feel it can be more detrimental that helpful.